Share and Follow
Authorities reported receiving an alert around 9 AM regarding a situation unfolding at the Volksbank branch located in Sinzig, a town nestled in the Rhine valley near Koblenz.
The normally quiet town, home to approximately 17,000 residents, was swiftly placed under lockdown as specialized police units assessed the number of individuals being held hostage.
In a decisive move shortly before 3 PM, a seven-member SWAT team breached the bank and successfully liberated two hostages, who were found unharmed inside a secured vault.
Among those rescued was believed to be the driver of a targeted armored cash vehicle.
“We are relieved that the hostages have been freed. They are deeply affected by what has happened,” stated Juergen Fachinger, a spokesperson for the Koblenz Police.
Police didn’t find any hostage-takers in the bank, and believe the perpetrator or perpetrators left immediately after locking the people in the vault.
Police didn’t indicate whether any cash or valuables were stolen.
The Volksbank branch is now a crime scene, as detectives investigate how the hostage takers escaped without notice.
NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.